Falling in Reverse (The Seasons Change)

by Julia Wolf

“Ronan, I’m lonely.” “You’re not alone, meala.” “I like your voice. It makes me feel safe.” “I always want you to feel safe with me.” “If you reach your hand out of your covers, there’s a bottle of water on your nightstand. Painkillers too.” Startling at the sudden male voice in my bedroom, I shot up and scooted to the far side of my bed, clutching the sheet to my chest like it would protect me. I cracked one eye, finding Ronan seated in the corner, half cloaked in shadow. He tipped his head toward my nightstand. “Drink, Iris.” He was ordering me around again, but I had no room to fight him, not when he was right. I needed water and Tylenol, stat. I took a long pull of water, pleased it was room temp instead of icy, and swallowed three pills. I peeked under my blanket, relieved I’d put on a tank top last night. No panties, so my ass was bare, but at least my tits were hidden. “Why are you in my bedroom?” I asked. He took a long time to answer, leaning forward and clasping his hands between his knees. He was dressed in a dark suit, impeccable as always, and it was only nine in the morning. We contrasted so precisely right now, it was almost funny. “I thought I should check on you,” he replied, like it all made sense now.